CA AB478

Requires producers of thermoform plastic containers (clamshells, cups, trays, etc.) to meet minimum postconsumer recycled plastic content starting January 1, 2024, with tiered increases: 10% by 2024, 20-25% by June 1, 2027, and 20-30% by June 1, 2030, depending on recycling rates.

Imposes annual administrative penalties on non-compliant producers calculated at $0.20 per pound for most plastics and $4.00 per pound for expanded polystyrene, with penalties deposited into a new Thermoform Recycling Enhancement Penalty Account for recycling infrastructure.

Requires producers, importers, and manufacturers to register with the Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery, report postconsumer plastic usage annually under penalty of perjury, and maintain sales records for verification.

Exempts agricultural producers who package commodities on-site, medical devices, refillable containers, and beverage containers subject to separate recycling laws; excludes business trade secrets and proprietary information from public disclosure.

Modifies commingled rate calculations under the Beverage Container Recycling Act to exclude thermoform plastic from rate determinations for each plastic container type.